by Mark Ratzky, publicity department, Sacramento Harness Association

Sacramento, CA — Lucky Tobe Alive N, who sat a pocket trip last week and parlayed it into a solid victory, and Devilish Donnie, who set the table that evening while carving out all the fractions, get a rematch in Thursday night’s (January 31) $4,500 pacing feature at Cal-Expo.

A 7-year-old New Zealand import, Lucky Tobe Alive N is owned by Jessica Hensley and is trained and driven by her husband, Ed. He comes into this assignment having returned to the charmed enclosure following two of his five starts on the year and sports a 1:53.4 mark that was set here last season.

The first of his 2008 decisions came on January 4, when he actually crossed the line in second, beaten a neck, but was placed first via the stewards on a disqualification. He recorded a third and a fourth-place finish before returning to his winning ways last week.

Sent off at 9-2 in that affair, which was contested over a sloppy track, Lucky Tobe Alive N left sharply for Hensley and was able to grab the two-hole behind favored Devilish Donnie. Tracking that one to the lane, he ignited when the question was asked and prevailed by three-quarters of a length.

Devilish Donnie is reined and trained by Rocky Stidham, who also co-owns the son of Firm Belief with Clifford Shurman. He captured 13 of his 53 starts last year and has a win, a second and a third from three trips to the post in the new season. He’s just shy of $100,000 in earnings with a 1:52.4 career standard.

Devilish Donnie picked up his win two back, as he buzzed right to the front for Stidham, set all the pace without challenge and came home with 1-3/4 lengths to spare. Off the strength of that score, he was sent off the 7-5 choice in the slop last week while attempting to once again make every pole a winning one, but was collared by the pocket-sitter and had to settle for an exacta completion.

Little Bit Country figures right in the picture for driver/trainer Steve Hyman. The 5-year-old Little Steven mare was along for third in last week’s clash at this level and certainly has races that make her dangerous. She carries the banner of Elleon Hyman and is looking to add to a $93,000 bank account.

Davbro Bromac N is making his third start since arriving from Down Under and could be ready for his best effort now. Rick Plano drives and trains the 9-year-old for Virginia Schick and this import has been dropping hints in his two United States outings.

Shock And Awe is moving back up in class after registering a nice victory in the slop last time. The 5-year-old son of Tulane competes for David Siegel and Gregg Pistochini, takes his lessons from Bernie Wolin and will have Gilbert Herrera giving directions. He was a 1:53.1 victor over this layout last season.

Rounding out the cast is Machine Maker with James Kennedy and Wastin Time, who will have Lou Pena at the controls. An 11-race card is on tap, with the feature going as the second on the evening.

These names are making news

Rick Kuebler: The racing gods were certainly aligned last Saturday night, as the weather cleared and the aptly-named California Dream obliged to give Rick his 4,284th victory in the sulky, equaling the mark of his idol Joe O’Brien. It was a spectacular way to end a brilliant career that began some 35 years ago.

“I actually felt a little emotional when I came onto the track for my first drive of the night with Careys Royal Flush, because I knew it was going to be my last night and possibly my last drive,” Rick said. “Then when I heard the roar from the crowd when my name was introduced in the post parade — it made me tear up.”

Kuebler notched the win with California Dream in the next race, going coast-to-coast with Junior Wilkinson’s charge in the featured Open Pace.

Echoing the sentiments of everyone on hand for the memorable program, we wish Rick the best of luck in his retirement.

Cam’s Gidget: One would think it would be hard for this pacing mare to top last year’s 17 trips to the winner’s circle, but if the month of January is an indication, she’s certainly looking to eclipse that outstanding total. Robley Johnson’s protégé has clicked in four of five starts on the New Year, and she’s got that mid-race move down to a science.

Roughinthepasser: Speaking of local performers with a penchant for getting their picture taken, Charley Veon’s trotting mare won eight of 21 last season and has prevailed three times from four trips to the post in 2008, with the only setback coming after a miscue two weeks ago. Rick Plano has partnered smartly with the daughter of First Down, who goes after another victory in Thursday’s sixth race.

Live racing will resume at Cal-Expo on Thursday (January 31) at 5:35 p.m. (PST), and will continue through Saturday (February 2). Post time on Friday and Saturday is at 6:00 p.m. On Thursday, Cal-Expo offers Fiesta Thursdays, in which fans can enjoy $2.00 frozen margaritas and tacos!

Cal-Expo offers guaranteed $10,000 pools on all Pick-4’s!